Naples Zoo is celebrating the birth of a critically endangered slender- horned gazelle. First time mother, Clover, gave birth to a male calf at approximately 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 22nd. The calf weighs approximately 3.5 pounds and stands a little over 1 foot tall. The calf was born on exhibit and is already available for public viewing.
This species is also part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). Naples Zoo participates in this national plan to help create sustainable populations of threatened and endangered species.
The calf received a neonatal exam from the Zoo's staff veterinarian, Dr. Lizzy Arnett-Chinn, shortly after birth and was found to be healthy and thriving.
The mother and father of the new baby were specifically matched by the SSP based on their ancestry, to create the greatest genetic diversity in the population over the next century. Naples Zoo is pleased to be a part of this critical program to sustain the slender-horned gazelle population in Zoos.